A Model for Learning Through Community
Dickinson's strengths-based approach helps you discover who you are, understand how you can contribute, build your confidence and learn how to lead authentically in your residential, academic, and co‑curricular experiences, including career development.
Using Gallup’s CliftonStrengths framework, students gain a common language to explore their identities, build community and thrive during their first year and beyond.
What Are Strengths?
Strengths are naturally occurring patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that can be productively applied. Each person is born with unique talents. When those talents are developed with intention, knowledge and practice, they become strengths.
The CliftonStrengths assessment identifies 34 talent themes and provides you with a personalized strengths profile. Rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses, a strengths‑based approach emphasizes understanding what you naturally do best and learning how to use those talents to grow, contribute, lead and discover what’s next after Dickinson.
At Dickinson, strengths provide a shared language—one that helps you better understand yourself and appreciate the diverse ways you can contribute to your community.
Through the Clifton Strengths assessment, you will identify unique talents and begin to understand how those talents shape:
- How you learn
- How you connect with others
- How you respond to challenges
- How you lead
- How you plan for what's next
A Strengths-Based Residential Experience
First-year residential communities are intentional spaces for learning and growth. Students engage with strengths through orientation, community conversations, intentional programming and individual reflection—building confidence and connection as they transition to college life.
Begin Your Strengths Journey
We invite students to explore their strengths, engage deeply in the residential experience, and develop the skills needed to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Name your strengths. Claim your contributions. Aim your talents.
All incoming first-year students will receive an email in June with a code and instructions for taking the CliftonStrengths assessment.